Microsoft has released a utility for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 that mounts ISO disk image files as virtual CD drives. This utility is free and is perfect for those on an older version of Windows who need a quick means of mounting an .ISO file.
“The Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel utility enables users of Windows XP, Vista, and 7 to mount ISO disk image files as virtual CD-ROM drives. This can be highly useful for reading disk images to install software or recover backup files,” the description reads.
According to Microsoft, this tool is not needed in Windows 8 since Windows 8 natively supports ISO files. In Windows 8, users can simply open up an ISO file and Windows will automatically mount it as a virtual drive.
This utility is perfect for those who are on Windows 7 and hate using third-party software to mount ISO images. Hit the source link below to snag the utility. The tool weights in at 60KB and its free!
Thanks to @Windows4live for the tip!